The world is consuming natural resources faster than they can be renewed. Therefore, it is important that products are made so fast. Governments should discourage people from constantly buying more up to date or fashionable products. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

One day the world’s oil and gas reserves will run out. The search for alternative energy sources like wind power, solar power, burning waste and water power are causing as much environmental damage as the oil and nuclear power sources they are intended to replace. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

At present we rely on oil for most our energy needs. However, oil is a fossil fuel and causes air pollution, and it will eventually run out. Nuclear energy is the only practical and clean source of energy for the world. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

Trees are essential for the existence of the human race as they provide the oxygen that we need to survive. Yet, daily all around the globe, large areas of woodland are being destroyed. Many people feel that they as individuals can do nothing and that only governments and large companies can halt the destruction. To what extent do you agree with this?

Climate change is now an accepted threat to our planet, but there is not enough political action to control excessive consumerism and pollution. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

The environment is one of the most important issues in the world today, but governments are not doing enough about it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

GLOBALIZATION

Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibilities of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer nations. However, the government of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The international community should reduce or eliminate the debts of the world’s poorest countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Every country needs to remember its past. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

More and more qualified people are moving from poor to rich countries to fill vacancies in specialist areas like engineering, computing and medicine. Some people believe that by encouraging the movement of such people, rich countries are stealing from poor countries. Others feel that this is only part of the natural movement of workers around the world. Give your opinion.

As most foreign aid often benefits the donor more than the receiver, developing countries should refuse to repay their debts. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

ANIMALS

Many people keep dogs and cats as companions. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership for the community as a whole.

Animals should not be used for the benefit of human beings, unless there is evidence that the animals do not suffer in any way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

As public safety is one of the highest importances, it is often necessary to test new products on animals. It is better for a few animals to suffer than for human life to be placed at risk by untested products. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but poor alternative to a natural environment. It is necessary to keep animals in zoos. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

Wild animals have no place in the 21st century. Some people think that preventing these wild animals from dying out is a waste of resource. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think killing animals for food is cruel and unnecessary. Others think that it is essential for daily diet. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people regard animals as the source of food or clothes. Other thinks that they should be treated like pets. Discuss both views.